Flame Angelfish
Centropyge loricula
Water Parameters
About
The Flame Angelfish is considered one of the most beautiful marine fish in the world. Its intense red-orange body with vertical black bars and blue-edged fins is mesmerizing. It is the most popular dwarf angelfish, but its potential coral-nipping habit generates constant debate among reef keepers.
Behavior & Temperament
Semi‑aggressive and territorial fish. It lives among crevices in live rock. It may nip corals (especially LPS and soft corals), making it risky on reefs. Protogynous hermaphrodite.
Feeding
Omnivore with herbivorous tendency. Grazes algae and biofilm on live rock. Accepts spirulina, nori, marine flakes, mysis and brine shrimp. Varied diet important.
Breeding
Oviparous. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Male maintains a harem. Breeding possible in an aquarium with a compatible pair. Spawns at dusk.
Care Notes
Abundant live rock with crevices to explore and graze. Varied diet with a plant component. RISK to corals: may nip LPS, soft and even SPS. Each individual is different—some never nip, others destroy corals.
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive toward other dwarf angels. Do not keep two males together. RISK of nipping corals — not 100% reef safe. Compatible with fish of similar size and temperament.
Quick Summary
| Scientific Name | Centropyge loricula |
|---|---|
| Family | Pomacanthidae |
| Category | Fish |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Max Size | 10.0 cm (3.9") |
| Min Tank | 200 L (53 gal) |
| Min Group | 1+ |
| Diet | Omnivore with herbivorous tendency. Grazes algae and biofilm on live rock. Accepts spirulina, nori, marine flakes, mysis and brine shrimp. Varied diet important. |
| Temperament | Semi‑aggressive and territorial fish. It lives among crevices in live rock. It may nip corals (especially LPS and soft corals), making it risky on reefs. Protogynous hermaphrodite. |
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